New Jersey Takes a Stand for Animal Welfare: Bans Individual Gestation Stalls for Pregnant Pigs

Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (A-1970/S-1298) requiring the State Board of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules and regulations concerning the confinement, care, and treatment of breeding pigs and calves raised for veal. The rules and regulations, which must be adopted within 180 days after today’s signing, will establish penalties for violators. The bill prohibits confinement in an enclosure that impacts a breeding pig and calf’s ability to freely move in certain ways and properly groom itself and that limits visual contact with other calves.

“As the Garden State, agriculture is at the heart of New Jersey’s identity,” said Governor Murphy. “Ensuring that we are following humane farming practices and that farm animals are treated with care, rather than kept in enclosures so small they are immobilized, is a reflection of our values.”